The Renters reform Bill received Royal Assent on the 27th October 2025 – whilst none of the main provisions are yet in force, they will be implemented gradually. It is said to “secure a fairer future for 11 million private renters in England” and “re-balance landlord-tenant relations across England as part of the Government’s Plan for Change”.
The key reforms are:
- The abolition of both Assured Shorthold tenancies and S21 “no fault evictions”;
- Tenancies will become Periodic Assured Tenancies with no guaranteed minimum fixed term;
- Landlords will not be able to grant new fixed term tenancies when the Act comes into force;
- An increased number of grounds for possession pursuant to the Housing Act 1988 – there will still be mandatory and discretionary grounds;
- A revised statutory procedure for rent reviews contained within S13 of the Housing Act 1988 – one rent review per year on 2 months notice with tenants having the right to challenge proposed reviews in the First Tier Tribunal.
- A prohibition on landlords/agents taking any rent or offer to pay rent prior to the tenancy being entered into – a breach could result in a financial penalty of up to £5,000 pursuant to the tenant Fees Act 2019;
- Once the tenancy has been entered into – no more than one months rent in advance can be accepted;
- A right for the tenant to keep a pet at the property with the landlords consent – such consent not to be unreasonably withheld;
- Preventing discrimination against families and tenants in receipt of benefits in the private rented sector;
- Awaabs Law to be extended and an extension of the Decent Homes Standard to cover properties in the private rented sector;
- Compulsory registration of properties on a database;
- Landlords must join an ombudsman scheme.
There are a significant number of changes and Landlords will need to be prepared for the implementation of these reforms.
Private Sectors Landlords are well advised to carefully read the legislation in detail – they will need to amend their current tenancy agreement and also ensure that their properties meet the Decent Homes Standard.
